Vandersloot, Cooper honored

College women: Something old and something new for women’s basketball player of the week awards this week.

Gonzaga senior Courtney Vandersloot was recognized by the West Coast Conference for the fourth time this season and 12th time in her career while Eastern Washington junior Chene Cooper (pictured) earned the Big Sky Conference award for the first time.

Cooper, a 5-foot point guard, had 41 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds as the Eagles won twice to clinch a berth in the league tournament.

Vandersloot, a 5-8 point guard, had 52 points, 23 assists, 10 rebounds and eight steals as the Bulldogs clinched their seventh league title outright.

Vandersloot leads the nation in assists at 9.9 per game while Cooper is 20th at 5.5.

Vandersloot is among the final 11 nominated for the Nancy Liberman Award for the naton’s top point guard.

It is the third-straight year the record-breaking guard is on the list.

• The Bulldogs, who complete their regular season with a pair of home games this week, moved up to 23rd in the Associated Press poll.

Dave Trimmer

Chiefs plan cancer benefit

Hockey: The Spokane Chiefs announced that a commemorative pink and white goalie mask will be a part of a silent auction on Saturday night at the Arena on Waterbrook Wine Breast Cancer Awareness Night.

Proceeds from the auction will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure Eastern Washington Affiliate.

The Tri-City Americans will visit for the fifth time this season.

The Chiefs will also wear a special pink jersey, use pink stick and sock tape and wear a pink ribbon decal on their helmets. Two 18-pink ribbons will also be painted in the ice.

The Chiefs and Waterbrook Wine will give away the game- worn jerseys. Fans can sign up at the game to win one. Fans who call the Chiefs office (535-PUCK) and mention Breast Cancer Awareness Night will receive a special ticket rate.

Proceeds from the sale of a special pink T-shirt and from the group tickets will also go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.